Greece
Thousands of islands, crystal-clear waters, ancient history and a relaxed Mediterranean way of life make Greece one of the world’s great yacht charter destinations. A Greek yacht charter can offer an extraordinary variety of cruising, from the wind-swept islands and whitewashed villages of the Cyclades to the sheltered bays of the Saronic Gulf and the lush landscapes of the Ionian Islands. Explore ancient ruins, swim from secluded beaches, dine in waterfront tavernas and discover islands where life still moves at an unhurried pace. With excellent sailing conditions, countless anchorages and distinct cruising regions to choose from, sailing in Greece offers the freedom to create a charter that suits your own pace and interests.
Athens & The Saronic Gulf
Ancient history, sheltered waters and beautiful island villages make Athens and the Saronic Gulf an excellent choice for a Greek yacht charter. An Athens yacht charter offers a relaxed introduction to sailing in Greece, with short passages between Aegina, Poros, Hydra and Spetses, alongside quiet anchorages, pine-fringed bays and traditional waterfront tavernas. Explore the ancient sites of Athens before heading offshore, swim in clear Mediterranean waters, or spend an evening in the atmospheric streets of Hydra and Spetses. With generally gentler sailing conditions than the Cyclades and easy access from Athens, sailing the Saronic Gulf is ideal for families, first-time charterers and anyone looking for a more relaxed Greek island-hopping experience.
Sailing season: April through October
The Cyclades
Whitewashed villages, rugged coastlines, ancient ruins and the unmistakable blue of the Aegean make the Cyclades one of Greece’s most iconic sailing destinations. A Cyclades yacht charter takes you between some of the Aegean’s most celebrated islands, from the lively atmosphere of Mykonos and Paros to the quieter beaches and traditional villages of Sifnos, Serifos and Kythnos. Sail between sheltered bays and lively harbours, explore ancient sites, enjoy exceptional Greek food and experience the famously clear waters of the Aegean. With strong summer winds and a huge variety of islands to choose from, sailing in the Cyclades is ideal for experienced sailors looking for classic Greek island-hopping with plenty of character.
Sailing season: April through October, with stronger winds in July and August
The Dodecanese
Ancient ruins, beautiful beaches and a fascinating blend of Greek and eastern Mediterranean influences make the Dodecanese one of Greece’s most diverse sailing regions. A Dodecanese yacht charter takes you between distinctive islands such as Rhodes, Symi, Kos, Tilos and Halki, combining historic harbour towns with secluded anchorages, clear waters and rugged landscapes. Explore the medieval streets of Rhodes Old Town, admire the colourful neoclassical houses of Symi, or escape to the quieter islands of Tilos and Halki for a slower pace. With warm weather, reliable summer winds and plenty of islands to explore, sailing in the Dodecanese offers a fascinating blend of history, culture and classic Greek island cruising.
Sailing season: May through October
The Ionian Islands
Lush green islands, turquoise waters and sheltered bays make the Ionian Islands one of Greece’s most inviting sailing destinations. A Ionian Islands yacht charter takes you between Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia and Zakynthos, with pine-covered hills, quiet coves and charming waterfront villages providing a beautiful backdrop to each day. Swim in clear turquoise bays, explore the Venetian character of Corfu and Kefalonia, or drop anchor off tiny islands and secluded beaches that are perfect for a lazy afternoon. With generally lighter winds and shorter passages than the Cyclades, sailing in the Ionian Islands is particularly well suited to families, relaxed cruising and first-time charterers.
Sailing season: April through October
The Sporades
Pine-covered islands, turquoise bays and quiet beaches make the Sporades one of Greece’s most naturally beautiful and peaceful sailing regions. A Sporades yacht charter takes you between Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and the smaller islands of the archipelago, where lush hills tumble into clear Aegean waters and secluded anchorages are easy to find. Explore the atmospheric old town of Skiathos, wander through the traditional villages of Skopelos, or sail to Alonissos and the protected marine environment of the Northern Sporades. With sheltered bays, relatively short passages and a greener, quieter character than the Cyclades, sailing in the Sporades is ideal for relaxed island-hopping, families and anyone looking to experience a less developed side of Greece.
Sailing season: April through October